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NEW FOOD MAIL PILOT PROJECT TO BEGIN IN KANGIQSUJUAQ

OTTAWA, ONTARIO (June 12, 2002) - Guy St-Julien, Member of Parliament for Abitibi-Baie James-Nunavik, on behalf of Robert Nault, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development, today announced a Food Mail pilot project set to begin in Kangiqsujuaq, Quebec on July 1, 2002. The objective of the project is to reduce the cost of the most important nutritious perishable foods, and increase nutrition education and retail promotion of healthy foods. By making a healthy diet more affordable and raising the awareness of healthy food choices, the project is intended to improve nutrition and health in isolated, northern communities. This joint initiative is supported by Indian and Northern Affairs Canada, Health Canada, the Nunavik Regional Board of Health and Social Services and Canada Post.

"The Government of Canada is working in partnership with Aboriginal people and Northerners to improve their quality of life," said Minister Nault. "The Food Mail Program is part of the Government of Canada's efforts to improve the quality of life in isolated northern communities through the promotion of healthy eating habits."

Dr. Serge Déry, Director of Public Health at the Nunavik Regional Board of Health and Social services, fully supports the project. " We all know how nutrition is important for health. By subsidizing the most nutritious perishable food, we should have an impact on the nutritional status of our population," said Dr. Déry.

"Health Canada is excited to participate in a project that gives people living in remote areas easier access to healthy foods," said Health Minister Anne McLellan. "It is one of the key determinants in improving health outcomes."

"I am pleased that Kangiqsujuaq was chosen as the site of a second pilot project," said Mr. St-Julien. "The Food Mail Program plays an essential role in ensuring that nutritious food is available and at a lower cost. The community as a whole will benefit from nutrition education as well as from a reduction in the cost of these priority foods."

Kangiqsujuaq is the site of the second pilot project. The first pilot project was launched on December 1, 2001 in Kugaaruk, Nunavut. Throughout both projects, there will be a postage rate reduction of $0.50 per kilogram for the most important perishable foods. For example, the rate charged for shipping fresh and frozen fruit and vegetables, frozen juice concentrate, most dairy products and eggs will be reduced from $0.80 per kilogram to $0.30 per kilogram, plus $0.75 per parcel. Nutrition surveys were conducted to obtain baseline information before the start of the projects. Surveys will be conducted throughout the pilot projects to evaluate the impact of these initiatives on food prices and eating habits of people in Kugaaruk and Kangiqsujuaq.

Funding for these projects was provided for in the February 1999 budget and is therefore built into the existing financial framework.

For more information, please contact:

Michael FitzPatrick
INAC Media Relations
(819) 994-2044

Tara Madigan
Health Canada
(613) 946-4250

Dr. Serge Déry
Nunavik Regional Board of Health and Social Services
(819) 964-2222

Backgrounder: Food Mail Program Pilot Projects

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